The efficiency of heat pumps and air conditioners is expressed by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The higher the SEER number, the more cooling you will get for your money. The SEER will be listed on the yellow and black Energy Guide located on the unit.

The SEER is defined as the total cooling output in British thermal units or BTU provided by the unit during its normal annual usage period divided by its total energy input (in watt-hours during the same period).

A central air conditioning system is designed to last 12 - 18 years, so in some cases savings and reliability are limited due to equipment age. Your air conditioning contractor can help you decide when it is time to replace your old equipment with high efficiency equipment before your system breaks down and leaves you in the heat.

The ducts that are part of central heating and cooling systems offer one of the best opportunities to increase your energy efficiency, increase your comfort, and manage your energy bills. Studies indicate that 28% - 35% of the heated or cooled air is lost-along with the money spent to heat or cool that air-through leaky ducts. Properly sized, installed, and sealed duct-work will make your heating and cooling systems significantly more efficient.

A system refrigerant check-up is a recommended service that should be performed when the equipment is first installed and during annual system check-ups. A refrigerant charge should be conducted if the system check indicates that one is needed.

Once the system has been properly charged with refrigerant and has good airflow across the indoor coil, and assuming there is no damage to the duct system, only basic service such as changing filters and cleaning the outdoor unit annually should be needed to maintain the system operation at peak performance levels.

BCTV is a government access channel. You may submit videos for consideration but the use is at the discretion of the Communications Manager and the City Manager's Office. Please contact the Studio Tech - Holly Webb - for more information on how to submit a show for potential broadcast.

The following information must be included with the application for a building demolition permit: •Completed building permit application •Site Plan showing the structure to be demolished. Site Plan must also show all other structures to remain on the site. •An approved copy of your Clark County Department of Air Quality and Environmental Management permit application for demolition of a structure •Required fee as specified in Table I of the Administrative Building Code -$85.00 if structure is less than 1,000 square feet -$115.00 if the structure is 1,001 square feet or greater If the structure to be demolished is located within the Boulder City Historic District, and is older than fifty years old, the following additional actions must be taken by the Community Development Department prior to issuance of a building demolition permit: •Make a historical record, both written (history, floor plans and elevations) and photographic, of the structure and site. •Review the condition of the building to determine the impact of the demolition to the neighborhood, and the technical feasibility of preservation of the structure. •Submit the proposed demolition activity to the City’s Historic Preservation Committee for their consideration for the purpose of making recommendations regarding the application to the demolition proponent. •The owner has been made aware by the Community Development Department of economic incentives available to rehabilitate historic resources. •The Community Development Department has encouraged the property owner not to demolish the building until an attempt can be made to locate either suitable tenants to make the building economically viable again or to find a purchaser who is willing to acquire and rehabilitate the structure. If within the Historic District, the demolition permit issuance can be delayed up to forty-five (45) days to allow for the above to be completed.

Title 5, Chapter 1 – ADMINISTRATIVE CODE FOR BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONSection 108.2 SITE PLAN.. . . . In the case of demolition, the site plan shall show construction to be demolished and the location and size of existing structures and construction that are to remain on the site or plot. Section 110.2 (L) DEMOLITION PERMIT FEEA demolition permit shall be obtained prior to the demolition or relocation of any building or structure or portion thereof. The fee for a demolition permit shall be determined by applying Table I of this Code.Table I MISCELLANEOUS VALUATIONS AND FEESDemolition (fee based upon square footage of structure(s) being demolished) (includes issuance fee) $85.00 if 1,000 square feet or less;$115.00 if 1,001 square feet or more

Title 11, Chapter 27 – HISTORIC RESOURCESSection 11-27-6: DEMOLITION OF DESIGNATED HISTORIC RESOUORCES:A. When any application is made for a demolition permit for a building, or part of a building, within a historic area or district, or for a building of historical significance, the community development department shall delay approval of the demolition for a period of up to forty five (45) days, in order to:1. Make a historical record, both written (history, floor plans and elevations) and photographic, of the structure and site.2. Review the condition of the building to determine the impact of the demolition to the neighborhood, and the technical feasibility of preservation of the structure.3. Allow the historic committee to consider and make recommendations regarding the application.4. Make the owner aware of economic incentives available to rehabilitate historic resources.5. Encourage the property owner not to demolish the building until an attempt can be made to locate either suitable tenants to make the building economically viable again or to find a purchaser who is willing to acquire and rehabilitate the structure.B. The requirement for delay of a demolition permit shall not apply to accessory buildings, except with regard to the historic detached garages at the rear of the residential lots on Ash, Birch and Cherry Streets.C. The requirement for delay of a demolition permit shall not apply to buildings which are less than fifty (50) years old at the time the demolition permit is requested. (Ord. 1470, 11-22-2011, eff. 12-16-2011)

Yes. Any business wishing to use their home for their place of business must also apply for a Home Occupation Permit through the Community Development Department. Certain criteria must be met before receiving approval. If your Home Occupation Permit is approved, a business license may be issued. Home Occupation Application Form

Yes. Raffles and other similar fund raisers are considered gambling. A special permit for these types of activities may be issued to nonprofit organizations. The Boulder City Licensing Board must approve all Non Profit Raffle permits. You can obtain the application from the Business License Office. Proof of nonprofit status is required. Business Licensing Page

Yes. All dogs, cats and pot-bellied pigs are required to have an animal license. Proof of rabies vaccination must be furnished at the time the license is requested. Licenses may be obtained at Animal Control or the Business License Office. Licenses are due January 1 of each year and become delinquent February 1 of each year. Animal Control Page

Boulder City Business Licensing has the authority to investigate complaints regarding licensed and unlicensed businesses within the city limits of Boulder City only. This authority generally relates to a determination of whether a business has a Boulder City business license and whether that license is the proper license for the business activities being conducted.

The department has no jurisdiction to investigate alleged criminal activities, the general business practices of a business, quality of workmanship, pricing of goods or services, or monies owed. Complaints can be directed to the Business License Office during regular business hours. Business Licensing Page

Please check with the Community Development Department before using or installing any type of sign, flag, or banner. Permanent and temporary signs may require review and approval prior to issuance of permits and installation.

Temporary signs shall not be attached to utility poles, fences, or trees and may not flash, blink, be illuminated, spin, rotate, block traffic visibility, constitute a vehicular or pedestrian traffic hazard, or cause a public nuisance of any kind. For detailed information, review Title 11, Chapter 24 of the City Code.

The City Attorney handles litigation involving the City of Boulder City only. For private matters, consult a private attorney or legal service agency. If you need an attorney but can't afford to pay for one, there are 2 agencies which may assist you. The first one is Clark County Legal Services at 702-386-1070. The second option is Lawyer Referral Services at 702-382-0504. In addition, for private legal assistance, please view our Business Directory.

The City of Boulder City does not have jurisdiction over homeowner's associations. They are governed by Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 116 (Common Ownership Interest Act). For more information on this statute, you should consult a private attorney or visit the Clark County Law Library by calling 702-455-5696. The Nevada Revised Statutes are also maintained at most public libraries in Nevada. Clark County Law Library Page

Discovery for misdemeanor criminal cases prosecuted by the City of Boulder City can be ordered by sending a written request to the City Attorney's Office. A $5 charge is payable upon request. City Attorney Page

A subpoena is a command by the court, and your appearance is not optional, it is required. The City Attorney's Office will want to speak to you prior to trial, so it is a good idea to call the City Attorney's Office upon receipt of the subpoena to arrange to speak with the City Attorney or his assistant. The City Attorney can be reached by calling 702-293-9238.

When you were ordered by the Boulder City Municipal Court to perform Community Service, you were given instructions, on the day of sentencing, regarding dates and times. For questions, you may contact the Municipal Court at 702-293-9278.

The City Council meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m., except in December and July when the last meeting of the month is vacated. Special meetings of the City Council may be called from time to time. City Council meetings are held in City Council Chambers at City Hall which is located at 401 California Avenue in Boulder City. For more information, visit the City Council page.

If you desire to receive electronic agendas, you may sign up through the City's website. If you wish to be added to the mailing list for City Council agendas, you may call the City Clerk's Office, submit a written request, or email the City Clerk with your request. The request is good for 6 months. Agendas are posted at City Hall, the Senior Center, the Recreation Building, the Post Office, bcnv.org and notice.nv.gov. City Clerk Page

Agenda items can only be submitted by members of the council, its appointed officers, and by the Chairmen of the Commissions and Committees, the members of which are appointed by the City Council. Any member of the public may address the City Council on any matter under the public comment portion of the City Council agenda, however, no action can be taken on the matter. For more information, please visit the City Council page.

A full City Council agenda packet is on file at the Boulder City Public Library and at the City Clerk's Office. You may request the backup material be faxed, copied, or emailed to you by calling the City Clerk's Office. This information is available at no cost if requested prior to the council meeting. City Clerk Page

Minutes may be obtained by contacting the City Clerk's Office at 702-293-9208. Copies of records are subject to a charge of $1 per page (additional fees may apply for color copies, maps, and oversized copies). Minutes may also be obtained online.

You can register to vote at The Clark County Election Department, any United States Post Office, any Department of Motor Vehicles location, or before a Field Registrar. Citizens may also register to vote in person at the City Clerk's Office.

All registered voters are assigned a polling place for Election Day voting. For your specific polling location, refer to your voter registration card, sample ballot, or contact the City Clerk's office for assistance prior to Election Day by calling 702-293-9208.

Depending upon the type of complaint, you may need to submit a complaint form to Code Enforcement, the Police Department, the Public Works Department or the Southern Nevada Health District. The following is a list of common complaints and the department/agency that handles them, along with their contact information: Police Department (702-293-9224) - Parking violations on public streets and alleys - Noise complaints - Business being conducted without a business license (transient businesses)

A case will be opened and an inspection conducted to investigate the potential violation. If a violation exists, the property owner will be contacted via a violation notice in the US mail and instructed to comply with code requirements. For most violations, the first violation notice provides a timeframe of 14 days to correct the violation.

The Code Enforcement Division is staffed by 1 part time officer who is budgeted for 8 hours per week. At any given time, the officer can be working on 15 - 20 cases. Each case can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour to manage each week. All complaints received are ordered by the severity of the violation and responded to as soon as possible. Once inspections are conducted and a violation notice is provided to the property owner, the timeframe for compliance can vary from 7 days to 2 weeks. As long as the property owner is responsive and compliant, extensions of time may be provided, lengthening the timeframe for compliance. If you have made a complaint and would like an update on the status, please contact our office and staff will gladly provide you with that information.

The complainant's information is always kept confidential while the case is open since the case may result in a citation. Also, the City wants the general public to feel comfortable reporting potential violations without the fear of retaliation.

Municipal codes are written to ensure the well-being of the community, not to judge the character of any one person. All codes apply to all citizens and in order to be effective, they must be enforced for every property equally.

Violations are tied to the property, not to the person who created them. Purchasing a property with existing violations makes you responsible for their removal. If you are curious about whether or not violations exist on a property, please contact our office. A quick search through our database can provide you with any current cases/violations.

Vacant properties are tricky. Most times, the reason the property is vacant and falls into a state of disrepair is due to a foreclosure process. In this case, the property is in limbo and the City does not have a person or entity to contact for removal of violations. If you know of a property that is vacant, please report it and a case will be opened. The ownership records will be monitored regularly and action taken as soon as legally possible.

This is a simple act of nature for healthy vegetation. Most times, knocking on your neighbor's door and asking them to trim branches that overhang your property line will solve the problem. If the vegetation is brown and dead, however, a case may be started for neglected landscaping.

This depends upon the rate of discharge. If a swimming pool is to be drained slowly, say through a garden hose, then the water must be emptied through the emptying line (garden hose) and discharged into the sewer or street. If the pool will be drained using a hose larger than 2 inches, a special permit may be required. Part of this special permit is the review process that includes a review of the discharge calculations to ensure the slug of water will not negatively impact the city's sanitary sewer system. If you believe a special permit may required to drain your pool, please contact the Engineering Division of the Public Works Department at 702-293-9200.

No vehicle shall be parked on any street for a period of time longer than 24 hours, except in an area contiguous to his residence. If you believe a vehicle is parked illegally on a City street or alley, please contact the Police Department at 702-293-9224.

A junk vehicle is any vehicle that is wrecked, dismantled, partially dismantled, abandoned, discarded, stripped, scrapped, up on blocks or rendered inoperative. A person shall not leave a junk vehicle upon private property within the city for a period of time in excess of 72 hours.

Yes, if the vehicle is owned by and registered to a permanent resident at the location where it is being repaired. However, repairing multiple vehicles for money or barter is prohibited in a residential zone, as it is not permitted as a home occupation.

A recreational vehicle or trailer can be stored on an approved driveway such as concrete or asphalt paving, gravel or chat which extends the full length and width of the stored item. Vehicles and trailers cannot be parked on dirt or grass or within 1 foot of an adjacent public street or sidewalk.

Temporary signs shall not be attached to utility poles, fences, or trees. If a temporary sign is to be posted for a business during a grand opening period, the business owner must first obtain a temporary sign permit. Once approved, all signs must be secured to the building, interior parking lot light pole, or ground. Temporary signs may not flash, blink, be illuminated, spin, rotate, block traffic visibility, constitute a vehicular or pedestrian traffic hazard, or cause a public nuisance of any kind.

It depends upon the business activity. Any business wishing to use their home for their place of business must first apply for a Home Occupation Permit through the Community Development Department. Certain criteria must be met before receiving approval. After receipt of the Home Occupation Permit, a business license may be issued.

One single-faced sign containing not more than 4 square feet in total area may be placed upon residential premises where the sale of personal property has been permitted for the duration of the sale only. Any signs posted in rights-of-way are illegal and subject to confiscation by the City.

Trash cans and recycle bins must be stored behind a fence or in a garage. On collection days, they may be stored on the sidewalk, as early as 10 hours prior to the day of pickup. For example, if your collection day is Wednesday, you may store your cans on the sidewalk on Tuesday evening; they must be stored properly by midnight on the day the refuse is collected.

A Nonprovider does not have a contract with the insurance company to take a contracted (or reduced) amount for ambulance transport service. Because of our small size, we do not have the staff to administer contracts with multiple insurers. Therefore, Boulder City Fire Department (BCFD) is a nonprovider for all commercial insurance companies.

Typically, insurance companies charge a higher deductible or copay when a nonprovider service is used. However, as there is no other ambulance service available in Boulder City, you may request a redetermination or review of your claim indicating no other service is available should your insurance company make an adverse decision on a particular claim.

Nonprovider status does not typically affect any emergency ambulance transport however, every insurer has their own policies governing ambulance transports and it is the patient’s responsibility to know their insurer’s policies.

If the patient is conscious and competent to make their own decisions, they can select whichappropriate hospital they wish to be transported to (if in the paramedic’s opinion, they arestable and by-passing a closer facility would not potentially jeopardize the patient’s condition).They can also refuse transport if they sign a liability waiver indicating they understand the risksof not seeking further medical treatment.

If the patient is unconscious, in an altered mental state, in custody of the police or may be a danger to himself or others, the Paramedic on scene will determine the most appropriate facility for medical treatment.

There are also county protocols which the ambulance crew are required to follow which may affect the destination, such as patients who the police have determined to be not competent must be taken to the closest facility per protocol.

The Paramedic on scene will determine the level of care needed based on his assessment of the patient. Patients can be transported by Boulder City Fire Department (BCFD) to the Boulder City Airport for transfer to a medical facility or picked up at the scene of an accident by a medical helicopter. BCFD rescue units transport less critically ill patients to the closest appropriate facility.

A trauma center is a hospital which meets certain criteria established by the American College of Surgeons.

There are different levels for trauma centers based on the availability of specialists. The biggest difference between a level I and level II trauma center is a research program, surgical residency, and the availability of specialists.

Level I Trauma has a certain number of surgeons and anesthesiologists on staff 24 hours per day / 7 days per week. Level II is similar with less stringent standards and usually work with a Level I for clinical expertise. Level III does not have availability of all specialties and have transfer agreements with Level I and II trauma centers. Currently, UMC is level 1, Sunrise is level II, and St. Rose Siena is level III.

The only charges incurred when EMS comes to your home are for an actual transport to a medical facility. We do not charge to come to your house to check on a potential patient. If you are unsure if the situation warrants transport to a medical facility, our Paramedics are trained to monitor the patient’s situation and provide a skilled assessment and opinion.

Patients may refuse transport if they do not wish to be taken to the hospital by ambulance, but they will be required to sign a release form indicating that medical personnel have explained the possible dangers or consequences of not seeking further medical treatment. There are also times when both the police and fire personnel are required by law to transport a patient - even if the patient does not wish to be transported - when the patient is not mentally or physically capable of making a sound decision regarding their medical care, when the patient may be a danger to himself or others, or when the patient is in custody by the Police Department.

Medicare sets the rates they allow agencies to charge for the type of emergency transport provided whether it be Basic Life Support, Advanced Life Support and Advanced Life Support-2. They also set the rates for co-pays and mileage. By law, the Boulder City Fire Department (BCFD) cannot bill Medicare patients for more than the Medicare-approved rate, but we must bill for the copay or coinsurance amount. However, if Medicare declines or denies the claim due to the nature of the transport, e.g., nonemergency transports which did not require transport by ambulance, payment of the full bill is the responsibility of the patient.

At this time, we do not accept online payments. However, you can pay by cash, check or credit card at the Boulder City Utility Office located downstairs in City Hall which is located at 401 California Avenue. Credit card payments are also accepted by telephone by the Utility Office by calling 702-293-9244.

The City of Boulder City conducts an annual recruitment to establish an eligibility list for the position of Firefighter/Paramedic. This is the entry-level position for Boulder City Fire Department (BCFD). This recruitment can be either open - meaning any qualified individual can submit an application - or, in-house - meaning that only those qualified persons in the department’s Fire Reserve Program are eligible to apply.

Once an application is accepted, based on the recruitment and position guidelines, candidates will be required to pass a written examination, oral examination, and physical agility test. Those candidates who pass all examinations will be placed on a hiring list which is then certified by the City’s Civil Service Commission. Once the list is established, all open positions during the next 12 month period (or longer if the list is extended) for the Firefighter / Paramedic position are filled from this list. If selected to fill a vacant position, candidates must also complete a selection interview and, post-job offer, a medical examination and background investigation.

Reserve Firefighters must possess or be able to obtain Nevada medical and firefighter certifications. Emergency Medical Technician-Intermediate or EMT-Paramedic, and Firefighter I certifications are required to be considered for the BCFD Reserve program.

Dependant upon the recruitment, all full-time career Firefighters must also either possess or be able to obtain their paramedic certification within the time frame specified by the Fire Chief.

An EMT-Paramedic, the highest certification level, must complete an approved course consisting of approximately 670 didactic and laboratory hours and 300 clinical hours training. Upon completion of the didactic / clinical training, including the final written and practical examinations, the student then must pass the written ALS Licensure examination which then allows the student to enter the field internship portion of the Paramedic training program.

The internship consists of completing a minimum of 360 hours (12 hours shifts) on a Paramedic ambulance and the student is evaluated daily by a Paramedic Preceptor / EMS Instructor with major performance evaluations completed regularly which indicates the intern consistently performs procedures in a competent manner according to established standards and has made the established minimum number of patient contacts.

Upon successful completion of the internship, the intern must successfully pass the National Registry practical examination within 24 months of course completion to earn the EMT-Paramedic certification.

The Boulder City Fire Department (BCFD) has adopted the latest (2006) edition of the Uniform Fire Code as well as the Southern Nevada Amendments and charges cost recovery fees for inspections, permits for certain businesses storing or using hazardous materials, fire alarm and sprinkler plans reviews, fire alarm and sprinkler acceptance tests, and permits for a variety of hazardous one-time activities.

The Boulder City Fire Department issues 2 types of permits, an annual renewable permit is issued for higher than normal fire hazards or hazardous materials operations and a one-time installation permit for fire detection and protection systems. Before either type of permit is issued, a thorough plan review and 1 or more inspections are conducted to ensure safe operation or installation. A mid-year inspection is also conducted for businesses requiring an annual permit.

Permits are required for all commercial properties on new construction, certain residential properties,changes in occupancy or use of a commercial property, changes in ownership and properties undergoing significant renovation. For more information, please visit our Plans / Inspections / Permits page.

For a Site Plan Review, plans are submitted to the Building Department. The BCFD will ensure the hydrant, roadway and access is adequate for fire apparatus.

For a Building Plan Review, plans are submitted to the Building Department. The Boulder City Fire Department (BCFD) will determine the need for any possible fire life safety protection systems based on the type and size of the structure according to the 2006 International Fire Code plus Southern Nevada Amendments as adopted by the City of Boulder City.

For Fire Protection Plans, plans are submitted to BCFD by the contractor /business owner. Four sets of plans are submitted along with appropriate system specifications, material submittals, flow test paperwork, hydraulic calculations and plans review fees. Plans may take 7 to 14 days for review and the permit processing. Plans will not be processed without payment in full in advance. Work on the project may not begin until the plans have been approved. Penalties are assessed for working without a permit.

Currently, all new commercial construction is required to have sprinklers. Existing commercial buildings undergoing renovation may also be required to have a fire suppression system installed. Sprinklers may also be required in new or renovated residential construction depending on the size of the building. The BCFD recommends that all new construction - both commercial and residential - have sprinklers installed.

Special events are coordinated through the Parks and Recreation Department. All special event coordinators requestingEMS or Fire coverage during special events within the department’s jurisdictional boundaries will be directed to contact BCFD to determine needs which may impact the department, e.g. concerts, sporting events, outdoor festivals, vehicle races, photo/film shoots, events utilizing tents or canopies in excess of 400 square feet, etc.

It is the recommendation of BCFD that event coordinators should 1st secure private contractors for all emergency service needs during special events.

Private contractors must be licensed and capable of providing the appropriate emergency services. These contractors must also have a current Boulder City Business License. When necessary, a coverage request may be submitted to BCFD. If approved, the fee for a Firefighter / Paramedic / EMT $60 per hour / per person, the fee for ALS Ambulance / Rescue Unit is $220 per hour (includes 2 personnel), and the fee for a Fire Suppression Unit is $380 per hour (includes 3 personnel).

Chapter 24 of the 2006 Uniform Fire Code applies to tents and temporary membrane structures in excess of 200 square feet and canopies in excess of 400 square feet. These structures shall not be erected, operated or maintained for any purpose without 1st obtaining a permit and approval from the BCFD. A $77 permit and inspection fee for each structure exceeding the listed size requirements is required.

Yes. All spray paint booths erected, located or relocated in the city are required to be permitted and must have an annual inspection. The minimum inspection fee is $77. Specifications for the spray booths and other guidelines are listed in the Uniform Guideline.

Maintenance Agreements are contracts signed between the property owner and a state fire marshall-licensed company to service the fire alarm, sprinkler or hood extinguishing systems in a commercial building. State law requires maintenance agreements between the property owner and a licensed contractor for alarm systems, sprinkler systems, hood extinguishing systems, automatic smoke control systems and off-site monitoring of these systems.

The agreement provides that the fire monitoring company service the system within 24 hours after receipt of a trouble call. The property owner is responsible for providing a copy of the agreement to BCFD and the fire monitoring company is responsible for notifying BCFD if the agreement lapses or is canceled.

Any commercial building required to have a fire alarm system or fire sprinkler system must also have a Maintenance Agreement for those systems and a Monitoring Station for the system. The monitoring station does just what its name implies - it monitors the fire alarm and extinguishing systems to make sure they are turned on, in proper working order and notifies the company in case of a fire-related emergency.

The monitoring facility is required to have a Boulder City Business License and proof of liability insurance and must comply with applicable NFPA standards and state Fire Marshall regulations. These stations require an annual permit application and fee of $77.

Open burning is the burning of a bonfire, rubbish fire or other fire in an outdoor location where fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, barbecue grill or barbecue pit. Permits will only be given for vegetation burns complying with the criteria established in the guidelines.

Vegetation burns are defined as those necessary for the clearing of agricultural fields, disposing of unused crops or for mitigating brush or intermingled weeds especially as it relates to agricultural operations.

Yes, the Uniform Fire Code provides for an acceptable level of fire and life safety for the use and storage of portable barbeque equipment.

Outdoor Cooking: Charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices shall not be located above the first story, operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. LP-gas burners with a water capacity of greater than 2.5 pounds shall not be located above the first story, on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. The storage of LP gas containers with a water capacity greater than 2.5 pounds is prohibited unless it is listed for interior storage. An exception to this rule would be single and 2-family dwellings

Adult supervision is required at all times while the barbecue is generating heat.

Note: The property owners and managers have the responsibility of enforcing this code on the tenants of the residential units in question.Complaints of violations to the Boulder City Fire Department will be addressed to the owners or agents of their complex to correct it by any means at their disposal. Failure to comply with said ordinances will result in citations being issued.

Lock boxes are required by local and state fire codes on all commercial buildings with an alarm or sprinkler system. These boxes are attack and tamper resistant and are used to protect inventory, equipment, supplies and records from unnecessary water damage caused by delays in sprinkler shut-off.

No. It is a potentially unsafe situation for civilians to be along even as an observer during an emergency situation. It takes manpower away from the performance of the firefighter’s duties to keep track of untrained civilians in dangerous situations.

The BCFD will respond to an emergency situation, such as if a child or pet has been accidentally locked inside a vehicle. However, if it is not a life-threatening situation, the owner will need to contact a locksmith to open the car door.

If you feel that you may be in danger from exposure to a dangerous or unknown substance, call 911 and the Fire Department will respond to investigate. However, it is the responsibility of the property owner to remove and properly dispose of any hazardous material or substance from their property.

The Fire Department does not accept any type of hazardous waste or unknown substances for disposal at the Fire Station. The Public Works Department Conservation page has information available regarding the safe disposal of these types of materials. Public Works Page

A hard-wired alarm with battery back-up is best. These alarms are wired directly into the house electrical system so the homeowner doesn’t need to remember to change the batteries regularly. However, there is a battery back-up in case of power failure which does need to be checked periodically.

The Boulder City Fire Department does not accept hazardous waste of any kind – either commercial or residential. For more information on this subject, please visit the Public Works Department Conservation Page.

In case of emergency, fire personnel will first try to gain access by all available entry points. However, if no other means of entry is available, they will use force to gain entry to administer emergency medical aid or other assistance.

Only “safe and sane” fireworks are legal in Clark County, including Boulder City. “Safe and sane” fireworks do not shoot into the air and / or explode. However, if mishandled, they can still cause severe burns and injuries. All fireworks should be treated with care and supervised by a responsible adult.

The BCFD has 6 firefighters on a crew, 2 on the engine and 2 on each of the 2 rescue units. The majority of our calls take the manpower of more than 2 crew members. For instance, on a structure fire, we might need 2 firefighters to go into the burning structure to look for victims and 2 more firefighters dedicated to putting out the fire with a hose line. The remaining 2 personnel - the captain and engineer - are needed to stay outside to direct and pump water from the engine into the structure.

On an emergency medical call, such as a cardiac arrest, we perform several jobs at once - chest compressions for CPR, rescue breathes, placement of a breathing tube into the lungs, starting an IV to administer cardiac medications, control the heart monitor and administer shocks, if needed, and finally, prepare the backboard and gurney for transporting the patient to the hospital.

Not generally, however, there are occasions where pets have been rescued along with their owner. We do not want to risk injuring our firefighters unnecessarily. If your cat is up the tree, it will come down when it gets hungry.

In an emergency, call 911, whether it is a fire or medical emergency. 911 emergency calls go directly to the Public Safety Dispatch Center where trained personnel will determine the nature of your emergency and will send the correct type of assistance.

Yes, however you may be connected to another jurisdiction. If it is a life-threatening emergency, the 911 operator will be able to transfer you to the proper dispatch center, so be sure to tell them immediately what city you are in. You may be able to contact your wireless service provider and request that your 911 calls be connected directly to the Boulder City Public Safety Dispatch Center.

Safely, and with your turn signal on, pull to the right of the roadway and stop. If you are sitting at a stoplight or stop sign, remain where you are and let the emergency vehicle make its way through the intersection.

It is essential that there is adequate coverage for emergencies within the primary response district for the Boulder City Fire Department which is the incorporated area of Boulder City including the Eldorado Valley.

We do have a mutual aid agreement in place for fire assistance if mutual aid is requested through the NPS Dispatch center and may respond to the Park on requests for assistance in structure fires and to conduct vehicle extrication procedures. BCFD does not provide 1st response emergency medical services into the Park.

As with the National Park Service, the Bureau of Reclamation (Hoover Dam) has a mutual aid agreement in place. However, in the case of emergency medical calls for assistance to Hoover Dam, BCFD is a 1st responder.

The BCFD tests fire hydrants annually to ensure they are in proper working order. The Public Works Department maintains the city’s hydrants. There are some privately-owned hydrants in Boulder City in some neighborhoods. If you want to report a leaking or damaged fire hydrant, please contact the BCFD at 702-293-9228. Public Works Page

When possible, off-duty personnel may apply to work special events. However, due to manpower shortages, some events may have to contract with a private ambulance service for coverage. The special event organizers are responsible for paying all personnel

Yes. Boulder City has an Emergency Operations Plan and also attends Emergency Management meetings to coordinate with Clark County and other entities in Southern Nevada in the event of an emergency or disaster. The city’s plan is not available for public dissemination. However, BCFD encourages all citizens to develop an emergency preparedness plan and supply kit for themselves and their families.

Simple answer is a resounding NO. Section 140 of the City Charter requires a vote at a general election for any city land sales for parcels over an acre in size. The entry of a parcel into the Land Management Plan is still subject to the requirements of the City Charter and all other City Ordinances and related state or federal laws. What may drive the confusion is the Land Management Plan process, and statements made by applicants about their plans and intent for the parcel(s) nominated to be included in the Plan. Regardless of what an applicant may say or think, the submission of a parcel into the Land Management Plan does not negate the requirement for a vote of the people for the sale of land.

According to City Ordinance, the period for accepting applications/nominations for parcels to be included into the Land Management Plan begins on September 1st through September 30th. (see section 9-2-2-A of the City Code)

Yes at the discretion of the City Council. The same steps for review for the normal review process apply to amendments. City Council first considers the request, and would forward it to the Planning Commission for further consultation before taking a final action.

Boulder City residents may dispose of waste generated at their residence by bringing it to the Landfill Residential Drop-Off Area using their own vehicle. Residents should be prepared to present a valid Nevada Driver’s License with a Boulder City street address and vehicle registration to the scale operator. Residents who do not yet have a license with a Boulder City street address must show their current driver’s license along with their current Boulder City utility bill.

Licensed businesses and city residents using a 3rd party vehicle (for example a rental or friend’s truck) must pay waste disposal fees to use the landfill. All waste must be generated within Boulder City.

B.C. Waste Free / B.C. Disposal observes New Year’s Day, 4th of July, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. On these days there is no trash collection and the Landfill and Recycling Center are closed. The subsequent pickup for those collections that are missed due to holidays will be the next regularly scheduled pickup day.

Call B.C. Waste Free / B.C. Disposal at 702-293-2276 to schedule delivery and pick-up of the dumpster. If the dumpster is to be placed on any city right-of-way, an Obstruction Permit is needed prior to placement of the dumpster. An Obstruction Permit costs $50 and is available from the Public Works Engineering Division. To find out more about permitting requirements and to download forms please visit our Permitting page.

Please call 702-293-2276 to report a missed collection. Missed collections will be picked up the same day if B.C. Waste Free is notified before 10 a.m. For calls received after 10 a.m., the collection will be by the end of the following business day.

Furniture, white goods, and other bulky item collection is provided on Thursdays to residential and multifamily customers that have curbside service. Collection is free, except for a small fee for items with Freon. Please call 702-293-2276 to schedule bulky item collection.

Please call or stop by our office to check the availability of the park you are interested in, if it is available you will need to complete a Facility Use Application and submit this with the appropriate fees to our main office. Facility Use Application

We offer spring break and summer parks at our Recreation Center. Kids from kindergarten through 7th grade are welcome to join in on the fun. We offer games, crafts, organized games, field trips and much more. Stop by the Recreation Center for more information.

The city's zoning maps are not yet online. In the meantime, please call the Community Development Department at 702-293-9282 to obtain the zoning of a property. Zoning maps are also available for purchase in the Community Development Department at City Hall. You may contact the Community Development Department office at 702-293-9282.

The information on the County's website is not for Boulder City zoning.

The city's Zoning Ordinance (Title 11) is part of the municipal code, which is available online.

Copies of specific chapters are also available at the Community Development Department. If you need to purchase a hard copy of the entire ordinance, you may contact the City Clerk's office at 702-293-9208. Boulder City Municipal Code

You would 1st check the zoning chapter for your zone, such as Chapter 11-3 for R1 for single-family residential. If your property does not meet the minimum requirements for a lot in that zone.

For instance, if your property is in the R1-7 zone but it is less than 7,000 square feet in size or less than 70 feet in width), your property is entitled to some breaks on the setback requirements, which can be found in Chapter 11-21 for substandard lots of record.

These chapters address the principal building on your property (the house), and any additions to it. There are different setback requirements for accessory buildings, found in Chapter 11-20 of the Boulder City Municipal Code.

If for residential property, bring in a plot plan showing your entire property and all existing structures on it. Verify where your front property line is relative to the street. You can usually get your property line dimensions off the County Assessor's office website.

Next, show what it is you want to build (detached garage, house addition, patio cover, etc.) and what the setbacks (feet and inches) would be from the nearest property lines (front, side, rear). For commercial property, bring in the same type of information for a plot plan, but also provide your parking layout, showing dimensions. Clark County Assessor Website

Probably not. Over the decades, roads in Boulder City were built at varying widths for the right-of-way, and the front property line for your property may be 4 1/2 feet behind the sidewalk, 3 feet behind the sidewalk, or something different. Please call either the Community Development Department at 702-293-9282 or the Engineering Division at 702-293-9200 for this information.

In most cases, yes. Your property may not extend to the back of the sidewalk, but the Public Works Department may be able to issue an encroachment permit for a fence or wall within the city's right-of-way. You may contact them at 702-293-9200.

Most property line dimensions can be found on the County Assessor's Office website. Sometimes the county's maps do not include all property lines, and sometimes (though rarely) their information is incorrect. The city's Engineering Division can be reached by calling 702-293-9200. They can verify all property line dimensions, and you can also get a scaled copy of your property from that division. Clark County Assessor Website

If the fence or wall will be located on the property line, yes. Since most homeowners do not have their property lines surveyed, the city will require you to get your neighbor (the property owner, not a renter) to sign off on your request. If you are willing to provide a survey and have your property lines staked by a licensed land surveyor, and your wall is built entirely on your property, permission from the neighboring property owner will not be required.

Under the Real Property Records heading click on Address to enter the address you're looking for. Once you've entered the street number, street name and Boulder City, you have access to the property ownership data for that property, as well as links to the Assessor's maps and aerial photos. Clark County Assessor Website

Please call the City Planner at 702-293-9282 to discuss your request and see if a variance is necessary. It's very possible that a variance is not necessary. If you do need a variance, the City Planner will go over the procedure with you.

Most requests for residential or commercial development can be approved by city staff without going to the Planning Commission or City Council. These other approvals are usually only required if the proposed use requires a Conditional Use Permit or a variance (and in most of those cases only approval by the Planning Commission is required).

Call the Community Development Department at 702-293-9282 and we will check your address file to see if there is a usable plot plan there. If not, you will need to draw your own plot plan if you intend to submit a request for a building permit.

You may call us at 702-293-9282. Due to lack of space, most house plans are destroyed after a year's time, but you can ask us what we have on file. You are also welcome to copy any or all of the items in the address file for your property (copy fees will apply).

The zoning restriction is typically 25 feet maximum for a house and 16 feet for an accessory building. How this is measured is determined by the building code: a summary is that the height is measured from the average grade around the proposed building to the midpoint of a pitched roof or to the top of a flat roof. Basements may be partially exposed above grade; you may contact the Building Official at 702-293-9282 to get more information on how basements and building heights are calculated.

Possibly not. The zoning ordinance states that for a corner lot, the front property line is the shorter of the 2 property lines which abut the streets. This can affect where you can build an accessory building, or how high your fences can be, since there are usually different regulations for front yards vs. side and rear yards. (Typically there are greater restrictions and limitations for what is permitted in the front yard.)

Possibly. It depends on if the city has records in our building files for the other unit. If the city has previously approved permits for the other unit, then it is considered to be "grandfathered in." If we don't have records, the issue is more clouded, as we may not be able to determine if the unit was ever legally allowed. If the unit was illegally built or converted, then it will need to be returned to a state where it is not a separate dwelling unit.

Not if your property is zoned R1, Single-Family Residential. You may have additional bedrooms, but nothing that could be locked off and used as a separate dwelling. Also, detached buildings are not permitted for living or sleeping purposes. (You may use a detached building for a garage, workshop, home office, pool house or music room, but with no bedrooms or kitchen.) Variances are not allowed for additional dwellings in a single-family zone.

The Planning Commission generally meets the third Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. (The exceptions are when the 3rd Wednesday is on or too near a holiday, or rescheduled due to early voting. Check with the City Planner at 702-293-9282 regarding any changed dates. Submission deadlines for applications are generally the last Thursday of the prior month, or about 3 weeks in advance. Please talk to the City Planner about items for Planning Commission approval.

A setback is simply the closest distance that a structure is "set back" from a property line.

An easement is a separately recorded item that designates that some other party has a right over that portion of land, although the property owner owns the underlying land. (For example, the city or other utilities may have a 5 foot wide easement along a side property line, which means that they have the right to trespass over and work within that easement area.)

A right-of-way is the term used for the land owned by a public agency and used for city roads and state and federal highways; the right-of-way usually extends beyond the roadway itself. (Many city roads may be between 31 feet and 41 feet wide within a 60 foot wide right-of-way, which would also include any parkway, the sidewalk, and up to 4 1/2 feet behind the sidewalk.)

The ordinance, being the Controlled Growth Management Plan (Chapter 41 of Title 11), only affects you if you're planning to build a house that you intend to sell, and not to live in yourself. It also applies to construction of all apartments, multifamily condominiums and hotels. For these requests, contact the City Planner at 702-293-9282 to discuss the procedure for obtaining an allotment. The ordinance also technically applies to owner-builders on newer lots (created since 1996), but these requests are merely counted towards the annual total and can be approved at the staff level.

The city's zoning regulations for home occupations are found in Chapter 29 of Title 11. You may pick up an application in the Business License Division. They can be reached by calling 702-293-9219. Their office is located at City Hall. You may also call the City Planner at 702-293-2982 if you have any questions about the submittal requirements. Boulder City Municipal Code

It might seem that there are two police vehicles on every traffic stop but that is not the case. Most of the time when you see two police vehicles on a traffic stop someone in the vehicle has a warrant, the driver is intoxicated, or the officer saw something and wants to investigate further. The second vehicle is there for officer safety.

When land is surveyed, metal stakes, also known as "irons" or "monuments", marks the corners of the lot. These markers are typically a hollow, metal pipe, approximately 1/2 inch in diameter and 1 1/2 feet long. Newer stakes may have plastic caps on top or have the tip painted with a bright color.

If you live in a improved subdivision the lot lines are sometimes marked with a saw-cut line in the curb or a silver monument. However if these items exist they must be verified by a licensed surveyor if used for improvement purposes.

This is possible, however only a licensed land surveyor can determine your actual property line. Sometimes, survey stakes have been moved or removed. It is also possible that the original lot has been subdivided and new survey stakes have been inserted in addition to the older, original stakes.

You may need a survey for new home construction, building additions, garages and other major projects. The Building Inspections Office or the Planning Department, depending on the type of project, would make that decision. Home improvement contractors typically expect the homeowner to assume the responsibility for locating the lot lines. You may also need a survey to provide legal evidence if you are involved in a lot line dispute. A survey is the only document that can accurately show your property boundaries.

A typical residential lot survey costs approximately $700 to $900. It can be more if your land is irregular in shape or has other unusual features. Surveying is a competitive business and you should obtain estimates from several sources. Surveyors are licensed by the State of Nevada. Look in the Yellow Pages under "Surveyors-Land." While it may seem expensive to hire a surveyor, it may be cheaper than relocating improvements or legal costs caused by encroaching on someone else's property. That is a decision for you to make.

We will review previous usage history. If we agree that the usage appears unusual, we will have the meters read at no charge. If the readings are correct, we can arrange for the city's Energy Conservation Specialist to do an on-site evaluation of your usage. Many times a faulty water softener or air conditioner can be the cause of high bills.

Yes, your bill can be estimated using the past year's history. You may also sign up for direct pay. This service automatically charges your checking or savings account each month with the amount of your utility bill.

Make sure the water in the house and yard are off. Remove the lid of the water box and look to see if the dials are turning. With all water off, they should not be turning. If they are, you have a water leak.

If the leak is between the curb stop and the house, it is the customer's responsibility. Extended payment arrangements are available under these circumstances. The city is responsible for leaks between the street or alley to the meter.

As do all utilities, Boulder City faces annual increases in our operating and maintenance cost. Most utility companies raise rates a few percent each year to account for these factors. However, the last time Boulder City raised rates was in 2009. In addition, in an effort to avoid increasing your utility rates during the economic downturn, the City postponed many Capital Projects. Postponing Capital Projects leads to failures and service outages and it is far more costly to conduct emergency repairs than planned replacements. Therefore, this rate increases is necessary to maintain the reliability of our community’s electrical, water, and sewer systems.

Public Works offers a home energy audit that can help with identifying ways to reduce electric consumption in your home. The primary use of electricity in most households is for cooling purposes. The City offers a rebate program for updating to a more efficient air conditioning system. See all available City rebates at www.bcnv.org/284/Electric-Rebate-Program. You can also install a programmable thermostat to help reduce energy consumption when you are not home. In addition, the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) offers a rebate program for the removal of turf. Visit their web page at www.snwa.com/rebates/wsl.html.

One of the reasons Boulder City has very low electric rates is the fact we get some inexpensive power from Hoover Dam. The power being generated in the Eldorado Valley is being sold to NV Energy and to power companies in California at much higher rates than what the City pays for our power. Thanks to the solar lease revenue, Boulder City is able to continue to offer high quality general fund items, such as Public Safety, Parks, and other services. If we traded power for lease revenue, general fund budgets would have to be severely cut. In addition, Boulder City is a very small electric utility, compared to NV Energy and those in California. Consequently, it is much harder for the City to manage a fluctuating power supply such as a large solar field.

Yes, as the land around the Boulder Creek Golf Course and Bristlecone Drive is sold, a portion of the funding will be deposited into the Utility Fund. This revenue will help fund the City’s 10-year Capital program.

Unlike other utility companies, Boulder City utility bills reflect electric, water, sewer, and refuse disposal services. Based on the options provided from the rate study, a typical residential monthly power bill of $116 would go to $140, an increase of $24. A typical water bill of $49 would increase to $61, a change of $12, and the sewer bill would increase $2.50 per month.

Now looking at your business utility bill, a typical monthly power bill of $1,200 would go to $1,400, an increase of $200. A typical water bill of $61 would increase to $74, a change of $13, and the sewer bill would increase $5 per month.

Thin films and shades provide a cost-effective solution in reducing the amount of heat that penetrates through a glass window and therefore will reduce your cooling load. This in turn reduces the electric cost of running an air conditioner. Some good side effects are that they block some of the suns light and darken a room and often reduce glare. Some window films can reduce harmful UV rays that can fade carpet and furniture.